Madison-Milton Bridge Early Closure

Officials closed the Madison-Milton bridge this morning after a worker was injured by a falling steel beam.

A steel bearing between the bridge and a pier dislodged, causing the injury, according to a joint statement released by Kentucky and Indiana transportation officials.

The worker, who was not identified, was taken to King's Daughters' Hospital, according to the news release. The worker was not seriously injured.

Early indications were that the bridge would be closed for inspections for at least a week. But transportation officials said there's no immediate timetable for the closure.

The incident occurred around 3 a.m. Engineers are investigating the situation.

Official detours to get around the bridge are the Markland Locks and Dam Bridge connecting Kentucky Route 1039 and Indiana State Road 101, 26 miles upstream, or the I-65 Kennedy Bridge in Louisville, 46 miles downstream.

The Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will keep the public informed as more information is known about what prompted the bridge closure and an anticipated reopening date.

The bridge had originally been scheduled to be closed Friday to slide the structure on to the permanent piers.

During the closure, a ferry service had been planned for emergency medical vehicles only. INDOT, KYTC and their contractors are working to establish this ferry service as soon as possible.